Popotla Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Baja California

Disappointed with several details at lunch today since in the past we’ve had a much better experience: From the moment we arrived our plate on the table was dirty (see photos). Unfortunately, our waitress’s apron was even dirtier and had stains and food all over it. NOT AN APPEALING OR HYGIENIC way to begin our meal. 😳. Some waiters had clean, newer aprons others were as worn and as stained as hers. Our dishes arrived and mine was very good but my friend’s chile relleno was completely room temperature if not slightly cool. He sent it back and it came out microwaved scalding hot and melted to the dish. There was Poor attention to detail at almost every step of the meal. Check out the chips (broken ceramic) on the plate in the photos. There were THREE of them. Also ugly and unappetizing. You would think that in a very large restaurant with only 4 or 5 tables occupied, they’d spend more on attention to details. None of the waiters or waitresses seemed trained in professional hospitality. They were simply, just there. The most minimal effort and nothing more. No considerate interaction whatsoever. No one had a smile or any sense of hospitality. It’s the middle of the summer and the restaurant was almost empty. So would we go back? Not for a repeat of what we experienced today. Regarding prices? You decide for yourself. For what we experienced today and with the market the way it is, it wasn’t worth it. And by the few customers there, it seems others feel the same....

A Mixed Experience with a Great View

The restaurant in question offers a stunning view, but unfortunately, that’s where the accolades end.

Here’s a breakdown of our experience:

View and Plating: The scenic vista is undoubtedly the saving grace. The food presentation is also commendable, with dishes nicely plated.

Food Pricing: However, the price point leaves much to be desired. The menu items are overpriced, considering the overall experience.

Silverware and Napkins: The use of old silverware and paper napkins is disappointing. For the cost, patrons should expect upgraded utensils and cloth napkins.

Taste and Quality: The food is average at best. Don’t anticipate being wowed. We sampled the “Mar y Tierra” Omelette, which unfortunately fell short. The meat quality was subpar, the shrimp overcooked and rubbery. The refried beans were the highlight of the dish.

Rating: Our overall assessment places this establishment at a 3.5 out of 5. While it’s not exceptional, it’s certainly not terrible either.

Future Visits: While breakfast may not be a priority, we’re open to returning for lunch or dinner. Perhaps the kitchen had an off day during our visit.

In summary, the restaurant’s view and plating are its strengths, but improvements are needed in terms of pricing, utensils, and food...

I ate there on October 3, 2021, with my wife, for brunch. You will enter a mobile home trailer park. If you are American or have a lot of experience traveling in the United States, it is like a Senior Citizen Retirement Park. The neighborhood has a lot of security. The restaurant was busy. Limited parking and we had to wait about 20 minutes or so. If you try to stray too far from the restaurant, security will come and ask you to stay within the restaurant grounds. The views were good. Not magical. The service was good, I would say about 4.5 stars for service. Our server spoke both English and Spanish. We ordered 2 coffees, my cup was dirty on the outside. We ordered 2 orange juices. We ordered a fruit platter and the cottage cheese had a hair in it. Finding a hair in food along with the dirty cup pretty much ruined the rest of our visit. I started to really look at the details and saw so much that was lacking and wrong. My steak wasn't cooked medium like how I asked for it. The food was good, but not excellent. I wouldn't be terribly excited to return here. I am sure my wife will ask me to take her their again. All in all, my experience wasn't that great. The majority of the people seem to really enjoy it. If you haven't tried it before, give it a try. You will...